Nanoparticle modification of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for treating brain cancer and other neurological diseases

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits for transfecting adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) in freshly extracted adipose tissue using nanoparticles comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides methods for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising administering the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient, wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease, particularly wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/034,592, filed Aug. 7, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under R01 NS070024 and R01 EB016721 awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

There are approximately 26,000 new cases of glioblastoma (GBM) each year and more than 15,000 people die from this devastating disease annually (Siegel et al., 2013; Li et al., 2014; Stupp et al., 2004). The median survival is approximately 14.6 months despite combined surgery, temozolomide chemotherapy, and radiation, and has not significantly changed for several years despite advancements in medical and surgical therapies (McGirt et al., 2008; McGirt et al., 2009; Chaichana et al., 2013; Chaichana et al., 2010; Chaichana et al., 2011). There is increasing evidence of a small subset of cells, brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) that are responsible for the disease's treatment resistance (Singh et al., 2004; Galli et al., 2004). As a result, there is an increased impetus to find novel therapies aimed at eradicating BTICs.

The therapeutic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat a wide spectrum of diseases in clinical and preclinical applications has often been attributed to their potential to differentiate into many different reparative cell types. However, MSCs are also an attractive potential drug carrier because they can bypass the blood-brain barrier, possess the ability to migrate long distances within the brain, and selectively locate and target migrating brain cancer cells. More importantly, MSCs serve as vehicles to deliver anti-cancer agents, including bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), which has shown to be able to selectively suppress BTICs (Piccirillo et al., 2006).

MSCs can be obtained from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (AMSCs). BM-MSCs are difficult to obtain, have limited ex vivo proliferation capacity, and decrease in effectiveness with donor age. Unlike BM-MSCs, AMSCs are more abundant in supply, easier to obtain from fat tissue, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist oncogenic transformation.

Primary human adipose-derived MSCs (hAMSCs), as compared to bone marrow-derived MSCs, have comparable GBM cell tropism, are more abundant in supply, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist transformation (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013). Viral gene delivery has been used to modify MSCs to deliver therapeutic proteins for brain cancer (Li et al., 2014). However, this method of gene delivery is associated with insertional mutagenesis and immunogenicity, and, therefore, has potentially limited translational ability for use in human patients.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed subject matter generally provides compositions and methods for nonviral engineering of freshly extracted adipose tissue (comprising human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs)) to synthesize, display, and/or release therapeutic bioactive molecules (e.g., anti-tumor proteins) involving the use of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles combined with freshly-extracted adipose tissue from a patient. The AMSCs maintain their ability to migrate toward tumor cells, where the bioactive molecules exert their effects.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules (DNA and/or RNA). The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. The biodegradable polymer may be selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprises an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC).

The nucleic acid molecules may encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular aspect, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β. The nanoparticle formulation may also be lyophilized.

In another aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprising at least one nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a biodegradable polymer self-assembled with a nucleic acid molecule. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cell may comprise an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AMSC). The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. The biodegradable polymer may be selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprises an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC). The nucleic acid molecule may encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular aspect, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells may be transfected during a surgery on the patient such that the nanoparticles are combined with freshly-extracted adipose tissue to form a suspension, a cellular fraction comprising freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules is extracted from the suspension, and the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient undergoing surgery without the cells being processed. Accordingly, in a further aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a) obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient; b) transfecting cells in the freshly extracted adipose tissue, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation to form a suspension, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; c) extracting a cellular fraction from the suspension, wherein the cellular fraction comprises freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules; and d) administering the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells may comprise adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may be administered to the patient systemically or intracranially. The nanoparticle formulation may also be lyophilized prior to combining with the freshly extracted adipose tissue to form a suspension.

The nanoparticles may also be added to processed AMSCs from freshly extracted adipose tissue (i.e., AMSCs that have been isolated, purified, and cultured). Accordingly, in yet another aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a) obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue comprises adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs); b) isolating and purifying the AMSCs; c) culturing the AMSCs under conditions allowing for proliferation of the AMSCs; d) transfecting the AMSCs, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; and e) administering the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient. The AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may be administered to the patient systemically. The AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may also be administered to the patient in combination with an additional therapeutic agent or treatment, particularly radiotherapy when the neurological disease is a brain tumor.

In another aspect, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a kit for transfecting freshly extracted adipose tissue cells comprising: a) a lyophilized nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules; and b) instructions for combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells with the nanoparticle formulation to form a suspension. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells may comprise adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. The biodegradable polymer may be selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprises an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC). The nucleic acid molecule may encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular aspect, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

Certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, which are addressed in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying Examples and Figures as best described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows transfection of hAMSCs with an initial library of poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs). Certain polymers (e.g. 446, 447, 357, and 453) compared favorably to leading commercial reagent Lipofectamine 2000 for transfection efficacy and cell viability;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show: freshly-extracted adipose tissue (F.A.T) after transfection with 20 μL of 536-40 w/w GFP/PBAE nanoparticles (0.6 g DNA) (FIG. 2A); and primary hAMSCs from F.A.T. in culture after transfection as stated in FIG. 2A (FIG. 2B);

FIG. 3 shows transfection efficacy of 447-based DNA nanoparticles lyophilized with sucrose after storage at −20° C. Particles showed the same efficacy as freshly prepared particles even after 2 years of storage. (Modified from Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014);

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show hAMSCs home to BTIC-derived tumor mass in vivo: BTICs (AQH276) were intracranially administered to nude mice. Four weeks post-administration, GFP-hAMSCs (Invitrogen) were administered systemically. Mice were sacrificed 2 weeks later (FIG. 4A); and brain sections were stained for GFP (hAMSCs) and nestin (BTICs). DAPI was used to identify tumor mass (FIG. 4B). Scale bars 200 μm. (Modified from Li et al., 2014);

FIG. 5 shows that exogenous BMP4 does not induce the differentiation of hAMSCs. hAMSCs were cultured in control media, differentiation media, or treated with BMP4 (100 ng/mL) for 3 weeks. Lineage stains were performed to assess differentiation ability. Scale bar, 100 μm. (Modified from Li et al., 2014);

FIG. 6 shows that treatment with BMP4-secreting hAMSCs increases survival in a mouse model of human GBM. Mice were implanted with U87 GBM cells and 10 days after injection were treated with a single systemic injection of PBS, naïve hAMSCs, or virally-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs. Mice treated with virally-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs had significantly increased survival times compared to mice treated with PBS (p=0.002) or naïve hAMSCs (p=0.01). *p<0.05 (Modified from Li et al., 2014);

FIG. 7 shows a representative polymer synthesis scheme. Conjugate addition of amines to acrylates or acrylamides in two steps. The three R groups allow modifications to the polymer backbone (R), side chain (R′), and end groups (R″). Each monomer composes either the backbone (B), side chain (S), or end-group (E). Through this procedure, up to 150 novel biodegradable polymers can be evaluated. Polymers directly self-assemble with DNA to form nanoparticles and are added to cells following a high-throughput 96-well plate protocol;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show particular polymer formulations effective for the presently disclosed subject matter (x-axis) and non-viral transfection of adipose-derived human primary mesenchymal stem cells (5 different primary cell samples as indicated in the legend). Data indicates robustness of the presently disclosed subject matter. Transfection is significantly higher, both as the percentage of cells positively transfected and average transfection amount per cell, than a leading commercially available reagent, Lipofectamine 2000. All measurements were conducted by flow cytometry for quantification. Polymer structures correspond to the chemical structures key shown FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C show primary hAMSCs (1082 cells) four days after transfection with 536 40 w/w PBAE/GFP nanoparticles (images above show phase contrast and images below show GFP fluorescence): no treatment (FIG. 9A); 40 uL dosage (FIG. 9B); and graph showing viability and % transfection of primary AMSCs four days after transfection (FIG. 9C);

FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C show hAMSCs two days after transfection with: control (no treatment) (FIG. 10A); conventional GFP plasmid (FIG. 10B; and CpG free GFP plasmid (FIG. 10C). All images show fluorescence on the GFP channel;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show co-transfection of human fibroblasts with GFP and DsRed plasmids: FIG. 11A demonstrates that within the same PBAE nanoparticle shows coexpression; and FIG. 11B demonstrates that separate particles do not show coexpression;

FIG. 12 shows that exogenous GFP expression to hAMSCs with PBAEs lasts at least 7 days;

FIG. 13 shows that hAMSC engineered with nanoparticle-delivery of BMP4 plasmid secrete BMP4 extracellularly as shown by Western blot for BMP4 protein (25 kDa) in nanoparticle-engineered hAMSC conditioned media;

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show: electron microscope image of hAMSCs migrating on 3D nanopattern model (FIG. 14A); and quantification of migration speed of nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs and lentivirally-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs showed that nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs had greater motility than lentivirally-modified hAMSCs (FIG. 14B). Quantification was performed on a 3D nanopattern model by 15 hr timelapse. *p<0.05. (Modified from Mangraviti et al, 2014 and Smith et al., 2013);

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show migration of gliomas in vivo: schematic of transcallosal spread of human brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) after implantation into right striatum of a nude mouse (FIG. 15A); and coronal section demonstrating transcallosal (dashed box and inset) spread of a GFP-BTIC established in previous efforts (FIG. 15B; modified from Garzón-Muvdi et al., 2009);

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show that treatment with BMP4-secreting hAMSCs decreased tumor size in a mouse model of human GBM. Mice were injected with either BTICs alone or co-injected with BTICs and hAMSCs and sacrificed 4 weeks later: representative image (FIG. 16A); and quantification of mean tumor area. Co-injection with BTICs and hAMSCs resulted in a smaller mean tumor area *p=0.019. (FIG. 16B; modified from Li et al., 2014);

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B show that systemically administered nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs localize to intracranial tumor. Mice with human gliomas were administered nanoparticle-modified GFP-labeled or nanoparticle-modified luciferase-expressing hAMSCs to determine their ability to localize to brain tumors: flow cytometry for nanoparticle-modified GFP-expressing hAMSCs showed increased presence of nanoparticle-modified GFP-expressing hAMSCs in the brain ipsilateral to the tumor (FIG. 17A); and bioluminescence live-animal imaging after systemic administration of nanoparticle-modified luciferase-expressing hAMSCs demonstrated localization of hAMSCs to the brain, with preferential migration of hAMSCs ipsilateral to the tumor. hAMSCs can be used as “Trojan horses” to deliver genes of interest to brain tumors. (FIG. 17B; modified from Mangraviti et al., 2014);

FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, FIG. 18C, FIG. 18D and FIG. 18E show precise delivery of radiation using the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP): image of SAARP with mouse (FIG. 18A); γH2Ax ICC demonstrating radiation-related changes following 10 Gy delivery to left hippocampus (FIG. 18B and FIG. 18C); compared with non-irradiated, contralateral hippocampus (FIG. 18C); precision planar irradiation planning with 10 Gy radiation through a 1-mm diameter beam (FIG. 18D; red bar); and γH2Ax iCC from the section of radiated brain illustrated in FIG. 18D (FIG. 18E). (Modified from Ford et al., 2011 and Zeng et al., 2013);

FIG. 19 shows a representative overall layout for studying nanoparticle-modified human fat derived mesenchymal stem cells for brain cancer;

FIG. 20 shows a representative layout for Aim 1 to identify top nanoparticle formulations for transfection of Freshly-extracted Adipose Tissue (F.A.T.);

FIG. 21 shows a representative layout for Aim 2 for in vitro characterization of BMP4-secreting nanoparticle-modified primary hAMSCs and their effect on primary BTICs;

FIG. 22 shows a representative layout for Aim 3 for in vivo brain tumor migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival studies after treatment with BMP4-secreting nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs; and

FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B show representative layouts for: Aim 3A, to determine the effect of nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting primary hAMSCs on tumor progression and survival in a murine human GBM model in vivo (FIG. 23A); and Aim 3B, to determine if multiple treatments of nanoparticlemodified primary hAMSCs in combination with precise radiotherapy maximizes antiglioma effect in vivo, including survival (FIG. 23B).

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The practice of the present invention will typically employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology, transgenic biology, microbiology, recombinant nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) technology, immunology, and RNA interference (RNAi) which are within the skill of the art. Non-limiting descriptions of certain of these techniques are found in the following publications: Ausubel, F., et al., (eds.), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Current Protocols in Immunology, Current Protocols in Protein Science, and Current Protocols in Cell Biology, all John Wiley & Sons, N.Y., edition as of December 2008; Sambrook, Russell, and Sambrook, Molecular Cloning. A Laboratory Manual, 3^(rd) ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 2001; Harlow, E. and Lane, D., Antibodies—A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 1988; Freshney, R. I., “Culture of Animal Cells, A Manual of Basic Technique”, 5th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, N.J., 2005. Non-limiting information regarding therapeutic agents and human diseases is found in Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 11th Ed., McGraw Hill, 2005, Katzung, B. (ed.) Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, McGraw-Hill/Appleton & Lange 10^(th) ed. (2006) or 11th edition (July 2009). Non-limiting information regarding genes and genetic disorders is found in McKusick, V. A.: Mendelian Inheritance in Man. A Catalog of Human Genes and Genetic Disorders. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998 (12th edition) or the more recent online database: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM™. McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Md.) and National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine (Bethesda, Md.), as of May 1, 2010, World Wide Web URL: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/omim/ and in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA), a database of genes, inherited disorders and traits in animal species (other than human and mouse), at http://omia.angis.org.au/contact.shtml.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, and accounts for 20% of all primary brain tumors. GBM has a median survival rate of only 14.6 months despite current best treatment practices including surgery and chemoradiation. A significant reason for this morbidity and mortality is the ability of GBM to invade normal brain parenchyma, making localized treatment ineffective.

There is increasing evidence that a small subset of brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) is responsible for GBM's treatment resistance. In order for treatment to be effective, these invading cells need to be targeted. One promising approach involves the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been found to migrate preferentially to and home in on cancer cells. Moreover, MSCs can be engineered to synthesize and release anti-tumor proteins, like bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), which affects BTICs.

MSCs can be obtained from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue (AMSCs). BM-MSCs are difficult to obtain, have limited ex vivo proliferation capacity, and decrease in effectiveness with donor age. Unlike BM-MSCs, AMSCs are more abundant in supply, easier to obtain from fat tissue, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist oncogenic transformation.

Primary human adipose-derived MSCs (hAMSCs), as compared to bone marrow-derived MSCs, have comparable GBM cell tropism, are more abundant in supply, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist transformation (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013). Viral gene delivery has been used to modify MSCs to deliver therapeutic proteins for brain cancer (Li et al., 2014). However, this method of gene delivery is associated with insertional mutagenesis and immunogenicity, and, therefore, has potentially limited translational ability for use in human patients.

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the discovery that human adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hAMSCs) can be engineered to synthesize and release anti-tumor proteins and therefore can be used as “Trojan Horses”. As described more fully below, a novel technology has been created comprising the use of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles combined with Freshly-extracted Adipose Tissue (F.A.T.) from a patient (autologous cells). This technology non-virally engineers the F.A.T., including the primary hAMSCs contained within the F.A.T to secrete anti-cancer (anti-tumor) compounds, such as proteins, while maintaining the cells' ability to migrate toward tumor cells. Nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs can provide a treatment that is safe and effective for not only patients with primary brain cancer, but many types of metastatic brain cancers and other neurological diseases where cell therapy can enhance the delivery of a protein or a gene for treatment.

In one clinical application, the nanoparticle solution may be added to F.A.T. while the patient is undergoing surgery, with the resulting transfected hAMSCs administered to the patient during surgery, without the cells being processed. This technology is more easily translatable than cell therapy approaches that require cell culturing and numerous FDA regulations. However, in additional clinical applications, the nanoparticles may be added ex vivo to hAMSCs obtained from patient F.A.T. after culturing the hAMSCs (e.g., for a few days) and then the autologous cells administered to the patient as a treatment (e.g. intravenously). Accordingly, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a revolutionary new way of facilitating personalized medicine for the treatment of patients with brain cancer and other neurological diseases.

I. Nanoparticle Formulations

In one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules. The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537).

As described more fully in the Examples below, biodegradable cationic PBAE polymers have been developed as novel systems for non-viral gene delivery (Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Green et al., 2006; Green et al., 2009; Bhise et al., 2012; Shmueli et al., 2012; Sunshine et al., 2011; Lee et al., 2009; Tzeng, Yang et al., 2011; Green, Chiu et al., 2007; Harris et al., 2010). Polymers for use in the presently disclosed subject matter may be synthesized and characterized as previously described (Green, 2012; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Sunshine et al., 2011; Tzeng, Yang et al, 2011). For example, a two-step procedure may be used (FIG. 7). First, acrylate-terminated base polymers is synthesized through the conjugate addition of 3-amino-1-propanol (S3), 4-amino-1-butanol (S4), and 5-amino-1-pentanol (S5) to 1, 3-propanediol diacrylate (B3) and 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (B4), and 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate (B5). Second, small amine-containing molecules (E3, E5, E6, E7, E8) are individually added as end-capping groups to each linear base polymer. Polymer structures and molecular weight may be carefully determined by ¹H-NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as previously described (Sunshine et al., 2011). Preparative GPC may be used to control molecular weight. Synthesis takes place using a 1.1:1 acrylate to amine monomer molar ratio during the base polymer synthesis step and 10 kDa polymers will be selected through preparative GPC. Additional information on polymers of use herein can be found in WIPO Patent Application Publication Nos. WO/2010/132879, WO/2014/066811, WO/2014/197892, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US2012/0128782 and US2012/0114759, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for the teachings therein.

The nanoparticle formulations can be provided with a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio, for example, to optimize transfection of nucleic acid. The polymer to nucleic acid ratio may vary from 1 to 99 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid to 50 to 50 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the polymer to nucleic acid ratio may be 5 to 95 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 10 to 90 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 15 to 85 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 20 to 80 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 30 to 70 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 35 to 65 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 40 to 60 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, 45 to 55 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, and 50 to 50 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, In some embodiments, the nanoparticle formulation has a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid.

Also as described more fully in the Examples below, nanoparticles of the presently disclosed subject matter may be formed from plasmids and polymers by self-assembly and incubation (e.g., in 25 mM aqueous sodium acetate at pH 5 for 10 min). Up to approximately 100 plasmids can be encapsulated in each polymeric nanoparticle (Bhise et al., 2012). Multiple plasmids can be co-delivered into the same cells, such as GFP and DsRed plasmids to human IMR90 fibroblasts (FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B).

As used herein, a “nucleic acid molecule” or “polynucleotide” refers to the phosphate ester polymeric form of ribonucleosides (adenosine, guanosine, uridine or cytidine; “RNA molecules”) or deoxyribonucleosides (deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine, deoxythymidine, or deoxycytidine; “DNA molecules”), or any phosphoester analogs thereof, such as phosphorothioates and thioesters, in either single stranded form, or a double-stranded helix. Double stranded DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA and RNA-RNA helices are possible. The term “nucleic acid molecule,” and in particular DNA or RNA molecule, can refer only to the primary and secondary structure of the molecule, and does not limit it to any particular tertiary forms. Thus, this term includes double-stranded DNA found, inter alia, in linear or circular DNA molecules (e.g., restriction fragments), plasmids, and chromosomes. In discussing the structure of particular double-stranded DNA molecules, sequences may be described herein according to the normal convention of giving only the sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction along the non-transcribed strand of DNA (i.e., the strand having a sequence homologous to the mRNA). A “recombinant DNA molecule” can be a DNA molecule that has undergone a molecular biological manipulation.

A “plasmid” is a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be inserted, such as by standard molecular cloning techniques. A plasmid is a type of “vector”, which is a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g. bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) are integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively-linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as “expression vectors.” Common expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids.

Recombinant expression vectors can comprise a nucleic acid of the presently disclosed subject matter in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory elements, which may be selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, that is operatively-linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.

Within a recombinant expression vector, “operably linked” is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory element(s) in a manner that allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence (e.g. in an in vitro transcription/translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell).

The term “regulatory element” is intended to include promoters, enhancers, internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES), and other expression control elements (e.g. transcription termination signals, such as polyadenylation signals and poly-U sequences). Such regulatory elements are described, for example, in Goeddel (1990) Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. Regulatory elements include those that direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cell and those that direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory sequences). A tissue-specific promoter may direct expression primarily in a desired tissue of interest, such as muscle, neuron, bone, skin, blood, specific organs (e.g. liver, pancreas), or particular cell types (e.g. lymphocytes). Regulatory elements may also direct expression in a temporal-dependent manner, such as in a cell-cycle dependent or developmental stage-dependent manner, which may or may not also be tissue or cell-type specific.

The nucleic acid molecules for use in the nanoparticle formulations of the presently disclosed subject matter encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular embodiment, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

In certain embodiments, the one or more bioactive molecules for use in the compositions and methods of the presently disclosed subject matter include RNA interfering agents. An “RNA interfering agent” as used herein, is defined as any agent which interferes with or inhibits expression of a target gene, e.g., a marker of the presently disclosed subject matter, by RNA interference (RNAi). Such RNA interfering agents include, but are not limited to, nucleic acid molecules including RNA molecules which are homologous to the target gene, e.g., a marker of the presently disclosed subject matter, or a fragment thereof, short interfering RNA (siRNA), and small molecules which interfere with or inhibit expression of a target gene by RNA interference (RNAi).

“RNA interference (RNAi)” is an evolutionally conserved process whereby the expression or introduction of RNA of a sequence that is identical or highly similar to a target gene results in the sequence specific degradation or specific post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcribed from that targeted gene (see Coburn & Cullen (2002) J. Virol. 76:9225), thereby inhibiting expression of the target gene (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Nos: 20030153519A1; 20030167490A1; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,506,559; 6,573,099). In one embodiment, the RNA is double stranded RNA (dsRNA). This process has been described in plants, invertebrates, and mammalian cells. In nature, RNAi is initiated by the dsRNA-specific endonuclease Dicer, which promotes processive cleavage of long dsRNA into double-stranded fragments termed siRNAs. siRNAs are incorporated into a protein complex that recognizes and cleaves target mRNAs. RNAi can also be initiated by introducing nucleic acid molecules, e.g., synthetic siRNAs or RNA interfering agents, to inhibit or silence the expression of target genes.

The presently disclosed subject matter also contemplates “short interfering RNA” (siRNA), also referred to herein as “small interfering RNA.” Such a molecule is defined as an agent which functions to inhibit expression of a target gene, e.g., by RNAi. As used herein, the term siRNA is intended to be equivalent to any term in the art defined as a molecule capable of mediating sequence-specific RNAi. Such equivalents include, for example, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), microRNA (mRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), short interfering oligonucleotide, and post-transcriptional gene silencing RNA (ptgsRNA). An siRNA may be chemically synthesized, may be produced by in vitro transcription, or may be produced within a host cell. In one embodiment, siRNA is a double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecule of about 15 to about 40 nucleotides in length, and may contain a 3′ and/or 5′ overhang on each strand having a length of about 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides. The length of the overhang is independent between the two strands, i.e., the length of the overhang on one strand is not dependent on the length of the overhang on the second strand. Preferably the siRNA is capable of promoting RNA interference through degradation or specific post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of the target messenger RNA (mRNA).

In another embodiment, an siRNA is a small hairpin (also called stem loop) RNA (shRNA). In one embodiment, these shRNAs are composed of a short (e.g., 19-25 nucleotide) antisense strand, followed by a 5-9 nucleotide loop, and the analogous sense strand. Alternatively, the sense strand may precede the nucleotide loop structure and the antisense strand may follow. These shRNAs may be contained in plasmids, retroviruses, and lentiviruses and expressed from, for example, the pol III U6 promoter, or another promoter.

The nanoparticle formulation may be lyophilized. Lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, is a process which consists of removing water from a frozen sample by sublimation and desorption under vacuum. When taking into account physical, chemical and engineering principles, freeze-drying of colloidal systems can be controlled in order to reach a shelf life of several years. However, this process can generate various stresses during freezing and drying steps so protectants are usually added to the formulation to protect the nanoparticles from freezing and desiccation stresses. For example, in the presently disclosed subject matter, lyoprotectants such as sucrose may also be utilized (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011).

II. Freshly Extracted Adipose Tissue Cells

In another embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprising at least one nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a biodegradable polymer self-assembled with a nucleic acid molecule. The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprises an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC).

By “adipose tissue” is meant any fat tissue. The adipose tissue may be brown or white adipose tissue, derived from subcutaneous, omental/visceral, mammary, gonadal, or other adipose tissue site, e.g., the adipose tissue is subcutaneous white adipose tissue.

The term “adipose-derived mesenchymal cells” or “AMSCs”, as used herein, refers to cells that originate from adipose tissue and are phenotypically characterized in that they are (i) negative for at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or preferably all of the following markers CD3, CD11b, CD 14, CD19, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD62L, CD95L, CD117, and HLA-DR cell surface markers, and (ii) positive for at least one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or preferably all of the following markers CD13, CD29, CD44, CD49e, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD 166, and HLA-ABC cell surface markers.

The nucleic acid molecules for use in the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell s of the presently disclosed subject matter encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular embodiment, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

III. Methods for Treating Neurological Diseases

The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells may be transfected during a surgery on the patient such that the nanoparticles are combined with freshly-extracted adipose tissue to form a suspension, a cellular fraction comprising freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules is extracted from the suspension, and the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient undergoing surgery without the cells being processed. The nanoparticles may also be added to processed AMSCs from freshly extracted adipose tissue (i.e., AMSCs that have been isolated, purified, and cultured).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a) obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient; b) transfecting cells in the freshly extracted adipose tissue, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation to form a suspension, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; c) extracting a cellular fraction from the suspension, wherein the cellular fraction comprises freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules; and d) administering the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient. In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules comprise adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). The freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may be administered to the patient systemically or intracranially. The nanoparticle formulation may also be lyophilized prior to combining with the freshly extracted adipose tissue to form a suspension.

In another embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a) obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue comprises adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs); b) isolating and purifying the AMSCs; c) culturing the AMSCs under conditions allowing for proliferation of the AMSCs; d) transfecting the AMSCs, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; and e) administering the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient. The AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may be administered to the patient systemically.

The biodegradable polymer may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. In some embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprises an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSC).

As used herein, the term “treating” can include reversing, alleviating, inhibiting the progression of, preventing or reducing the likelihood of the disease, disorder, or condition to which such term applies, or one or more symptoms or manifestations of such disease, disorder or condition. In some embodiments, “treating” means prolonging survival of patients, such as those having neurological diseases or neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., prolonging survival of a patient having a brain tumor, such as a GBM patient.

Administration of the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules of the presently disclosed subject matter to the patient can be carried out by, for example, intravenous infusion; injection by intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral, intramuscular, intraocular, intra-arterial or intralesional routes; or intracranial (intracerebral) application.

The phrases “systemic administration,” “administered systemically,” “peripheral administration” and “administered peripherally” as used herein mean the administration of a compound, drug or other material other than directly into the central nervous system, such that it enters the patient's system and, thus, is subject to metabolism and other like processes, for example, subcutaneous administration.

The phrases “parenteral administration” and “administered parenterally” as used herein mean modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intraocular, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal and intrasternal injection and infusion.

For intracranial or intracerebral use, AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules of the presently disclosed subject matter can be administered by infusion into the fluid reservoirs of the CNS, although bolus injection may be acceptable. The presently disclosed compounds can be administered into the ventricles of the brain or otherwise introduced into the CNS or spinal fluid. Administration can be performed by use of an indwelling catheter and a continuous administration means such as a pump, or it can be administered by implantation, e.g., intracerebral implantation of a sustained-release vehicle. More specifically, the presently disclosed compounds can be injected through chronically implanted cannulas or chronically infused with the help of osmotic minipumps. Subcutaneous pumps are available that deliver proteins through a small tubing to the cerebral ventricles. Highly sophisticated pumps can be refilled through the skin and their delivery rate can be set without surgical intervention. Examples of suitable administration protocols and delivery systems involving a subcutaneous pump device or continuous intracerebroventricular infusion through a totally implanted drug delivery system are those used for the administration of dopamine, dopamine agonists, and cholinergic agonists to Alzheimer's disease patients and animal models for Parkinson's disease.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof. Such diseases, disorders, or conditions include, but are not limited to, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative diseases, disorders, or conditions of the nervous systems, such as or associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, progressive muscular atrophy, primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), pseudobulbar palsy, progressive bulbar palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, inherited muscular atrophy, invertebrate disk syndromes, cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders, thoracic outlet destruction syndromes, peripheral neuropathies, prophyria, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's-plus diseases, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, demyelinating diseases, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, prion diseases, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS), fatal familial insomnia (FFI), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Pick's disease, epilepsy, and AIDS demential complex.

Other neurodegenerative diseases, disorders, or conditions of the nervous systems, such as or associated with alcoholism, Alexander's disease, Alper's disease, ataxia telangiectasia, Batten disease (also known as Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjogren-Batten disease), Canavan disease, Cockayne syndrome, diabetic neuropathy, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, HIV-associated dementia, Kennedy's disease, Krabbe's disease, neuroborreliosis, Machado-Joseph disease (Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3), wet or dry macular degeneration, Niemann Pick disease, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease, photoreceptor degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and associated diseases, Refsum's disease, Sandhoffs disease, Schilder's disease, subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord secondary to pernicious anemia, Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjogren-Batten disease (also known as Batten disease), spinocerebellar ataxia (multiple types with varying characteristics), Steele-Richardson-Olszewski disease, and tabes dorsalis.

In a particular embodiment, the neurological disease within the compositions and methods of the presently disclosed subject matter is a brain tumor. A “cancer” in a patient refers to the presence of cells possessing characteristics typical of cancer-causing cells, for example, uncontrolled proliferation, loss of specialized functions, immortality, significant metastatic potential, significant increase in anti-apoptotic activity, rapid growth and proliferation rate, and certain characteristic morphology and cellular markers. In some circumstances, cancer cells will be in the form of a tumor; such cells may exist locally or circulate in the blood stream as independent cells. A “tumor,” as used herein, refers to all neoplastic cell growth and proliferation, whether malignant or benign, and all precancerous and cancerous cells and tissues. A “solid tumor”, as used herein, is an abnormal mass of tissue that generally does not contain cysts or liquid areas. In some embodiments, the solid tumor regresses or its growth is slowed or arrested after the solid tumor is treated with the presently disclosed methods. In other embodiments, the solid tumor is malignant.

The AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may also be administered to the patient in combination with an additional therapeutic agent or treatment, particularly radiotherapy when the neurological disease is a brain tumor. Additional therapeutic agents may also include, but are not limited to, chemotherapeutic agents such as adriamycin, dexamethasone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, topotecan, taxol, interferons, and platinum derivatives. Other examples of agents with which the disclosed AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules may also be administered include, without limitation, anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, TNF blockers, IL-I RA, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and sulfasalazine; immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive agents such as cyclosporin, tacrolimus, rapamycin, mycophenolate mofetil, interferons, corticosteroids, cyclophophamide, azathioprine, and sulfasalazine; neurotrophic factors, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, interferons, anti-convulsants, ion channel blockers, riluzole, and antiparkinsonian agents; agents for treating cardiovascular disease such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and statins; agents for treating liver disease such as corticosteroids, cholestyramine, interferons, and anti-viral agents; agents for treating blood disorders, such as corticosteroids, anti-leukemic agents, and growth factors; agents for treating diabetes such as insulin, insulin analogues, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, and insulin sensitizers; and agents for treating immunodeficiency disorders such as gamma globulin.

These additional agents may be administered separately, as part of a multiple dosage regimen, from the inhibitor-containing composition. Alternatively, these agents may be part of a single dosage form, mixed together with the inhibitor in a single composition.

The nucleic acid molecule for use in the methods of the presently disclosed subject matter may encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular embodiment, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

IV. Kits

In another embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a kit for transfecting freshly extracted adipose tissue cells comprising: a) a lyophilized nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules; and b) instructions for combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells with the nanoparticle formulation to form a suspension. In some embodiments, the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules comprise adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs).

In general, a presently disclosed kit contains some or all of the components, reagents, supplies, and the like to practice a method according to the presently disclosed subject matter. In some embodiments, the term “kit” refers to any intended article of manufacture (e.g., a package or a container) comprising a lyophilized nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules and a set of particular instructions for transfecting AMSCs in freshly extracted adipose tissue. The kit can be packaged in a divided or undivided container, such as a carton, bottle, ampule, tube, etc. The presently disclosed compositions can be packaged in dried, lyophilized, or liquid form. Additional components provided can include vehicles for reconstitution of dried components. Preferably all such vehicles are sterile and apyrogenic so that they are suitable for injection into a patient without causing adverse reactions.

The biodegradable polymer for use in the kits of the presently disclosed subject matter may comprise, for example, biodegradable poly-β-amino-esters (PBAEs), poly(amido amines), polyesters including PLGA, polyanhydrides, bioreducible polymers, and other biodegradable polymers. In particular embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537). In some embodiments, the nanoparticle formulation has a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid.

The nucleic acid molecule for use in the kits of the presently disclosed subject matter may encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. The one or more bioactive molecules may be selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites. In a particular embodiment, the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents, particularly wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.

V. General Definitions

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this presently described subject matter belongs.

The subject treated by the presently disclosed methods in their many embodiments is desirably a human subject, although it is to be understood that the methods described herein are effective with respect to all vertebrate species, which are intended to be included in the term “subject.” Accordingly, a “subject” can include a human subject for medical purposes, such as for the treatment of an existing condition or disease or the prophylactic treatment for preventing the onset of a condition or disease, or an animal subject for medical, veterinary purposes, or developmental purposes. Suitable animal subjects include mammals including, but not limited to, primates, e.g., humans, monkeys, apes, and the like; bovines, e.g., cattle, oxen, and the like; ovines, e.g., sheep and the like; caprines, e.g., goats and the like; porcines, e.g., pigs, hogs, and the like; equines, e.g., horses, donkeys, zebras, and the like; felines, including wild and domestic cats; canines, including dogs; lagomorphs, including rabbits, hares, and the like; and rodents, including mice, rats, and the like. An animal may be a transgenic animal. In some embodiments, the subject is a human including, but not limited to, fetal, neonatal, infant, juvenile, and adult subjects. Further, a “subject” can include a patient afflicted with or suspected of being afflicted with a condition or disease. Thus, the terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein.

In general, the “effective amount” of an active agent or drug delivery device refers to the amount necessary to elicit the desired biological response. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in this art, the effective amount of an agent or device may vary depending on such factors as the desired biological endpoint, the agent to be delivered, the composition of the encapsulating matrix, the target tissue, and the like.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, parameters, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, ±100% in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples have been included to provide guidance to one of ordinary skill in the art for practicing representative embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. In light of the present disclosure and the general level of skill in the art, those of skill can appreciate that the following Examples are intended to be exemplary only and that numerous changes, modifications, and alterations can be employed without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. The synthetic descriptions and specific examples that follow are only intended for the purposes of illustration, and are not to be construed as limiting in any manner to make compounds of the disclosure by other methods.

Example 1 Representative Overall Layout for Studying Nanoparticle-Modified Human Fat-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Brain Cancer

Previous efforts have shown that primary human adipose-derived MSCs (hAMSCs), as compared to bone marrow-derived MSCs, have comparable GBM cell tropism, are more abundant in supply, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist transformation (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013). Viral gene delivery has been used to modify MSCs to deliver therapeutic proteins for brain cancer (Li et al., 2014). However, this method of gene delivery is associated with insertional mutagenesis and immunogenicity, and, therefore, has potentially limited translational ability for use in human (Chaichana et al., 2011) patients. Biodegradable, polymeric nanoparticles enable effective non-viral gene delivery to multiple cell types, including hMSCs, while avoiding the problems typical of viruses (Mangraviti et al., submitted; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Bhise et al., 2013; Kozielski et al., 2013; Shmueli et al., 2013; Green, 2012; Kozielski et al., 2014; Hollon, 2000; Check, 2005). The presently disclosed subject matter uses nanoparticles to non-virally engineer hAMSCs to secrete anti-cancer proteins while maintaining the cells' ability to migrate toward tumor cells. These nanoparticle-engineered hAMSCs are effective, minimally invasive, and translatable therapy. The overall layout of the study includes further optimization of the nanoparticles for effective non-viral gene delivery to primary hAMSCs in a convenient, clinically relevant way that minimizes ex vivo cell culture, demonstration that nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs retain their original phenotype and continue to secrete therapeutic molecules to suppress GBM, and determination of the safety and efficacy of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs against primary GBM tumors. Therefore, the overall hypothesis that nanoparticle-engineered hAMSCs constitute an effective treatment against intracranial GBM will be tested (FIG. 19).

To this end, previous efforts have established several human BTIC lines validated through sphere assay and xenograft transplants from intraoperatively-obtained GBM (Chaichana et al., 2009; Chaichana et al., 2006; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2009; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Chesler et al., 2012; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2012; Li et al., 2011; Tzeng et al., 2011; Ying, Wang et al., 2011; Ying, Sang et al., 2011; Sun et al., 2009; Sanai et al., 2004). Cellular therapy, namely stem cell therapy, may be an effective treatment option because of its ability to home to cancer cells (Li et al., 2014; Ahmed et al., 2011; Frank et al., 2010; Aboody et al., 2013). hAMSCs are a novel therapeutic delivery vehicle and previous efforts have shown that hAMSCs (both commercial cell lines and primary-established cultures from intraoperative samples) have comparable glioma cell tropism (Pendleton et al., 2013); but, unlike Bone Marrow-MSCs, hAMSCs are more abundant, easier to obtain, express higher levels of surface markers implicated in cell migration, and have been shown to resist oncogenic transformation (Li et al., 2014; Vilalta et al., 2008). Previous efforts have shown that in vivo, hAMSCs show tropism to human orthotopic gliomas in mice serving as “Trojan horses” to deliver BMP4 and reduce GBM proliferation and migration by targeting BTICs (Li et al., 2014). Conventional modification of the hAMSCs occurs through viral methods (Li et al., 2014), but viral modification raises concerns in clinical applications such as insertional mutagenesis (Check, 2005) and life-threatening immune reactions (Hollon, 2000). To avoid these issues, hAMSCs from F.A.T. (Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., submitted; Pendleton et al., 2013) will be modified using non-viral nanoparticles comprising a polymer PBAE and the DNA plasmid required to express gene(s) of interest. In preliminary studies, hAMSCs have been successfully modified to express BMP4 via viral transduction. These BMP4-releasing hAMSCs are able to target BTICs, reduce tumor burden, and increase survival in a human rodent brain tumor model (Li et al., 2014; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014) via BTIC differentiation (Piccirillo et al., 2006). Subsequently, hAMSCs have been non-virally engineered to express GFP and BMP4 with positive results (Mangraviti et al., submitted). It is now hypothesized that not only F.A.T. but also hAMSCs F.A.T. can be modified using these PBAE/DNA nanoparticles to express BMP4 and be used as delivery vehicles. Furthermore, to understand the behavior of hAMSCs in the context of more clinically relevant radiation therapy, a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) has been developed with the ability to deliver precise radiation to mammalian brains for our studies in stem cells (Ford et al., 2011; Redmond et al., 2011; Capilla-Gonzalez et al., 2014; Achanta et al., 2012) and in brain tumors (Zeng et al., 2013). Radiation causes cells to release cytokines which recruits macrophages and attracts MSCs (Zielske et al., 2009; van Valen et al., 1997; Monje et al., 2003). The findings obtained through this research will be crucial for stem cell-based therapies for brain cancers in human patients. The combination of clinical-relevant radiation of a human brain tumor model with cellular therapy using hAMSCs offers a high potential for a co-adjuvant therapy for brain cancer in human patients.

Example 2 Nanoparticle-Assisted Non-Viral Gene Delivery of Human Neural Stem Cells, BTICs, and hAMSCs is Effective

Biodegradable, cationic, PBAE polymers as novel systems for non-viral gene (Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Green et al., 2006; Green et al., 2009; Bhise et al., 2012; Shmueli et al., 2012; Sunshine et al., 2011) and siRNA (Lee et al., 2009; Tzeng, Yang et al., 2011) delivery along with ways to coat these nanoparticles for cell type-specific targeted delivery (Green, Chiu et al., 2007; Harris et al., 2010) were developed. It was demonstrated that combinatorial modifications to polymers leads to the creation of polymeric nanoparticles that achieve virus-like efficacy in human primary cells (Green, Zugates et al., 2007) and enhanced efficacy in human stem cells (Green et al., 2008; Yang et al., 2009). These particles are promising in vivo as cancer therapeutics (Huang et al., 2009; Showalter et al., 2008), pro-angiogenic factors (Yang et al., 2010), and genetic vaccines (Nguyen et al., 2009). Previous efforts have resulted in highly effective biomaterials for non-viral gene delivery to hard-to-transfect human neural stem cells and BTICs (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Shmueli et al., 2012). A library of polymers of gene delivery has been synthesized and characterized (Green, 2012; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Sunshine et al., 2011; Tzeng, Yang et al, 2011). From this library, excellent nanoparticles have been identified that transfect hAMSCs more efficiently than leading commercially available reagents and can deliver BMP4 (FIG. 1; Mangraviti et al., submitted). This advancement will be extended both in vitro and in vivo to newly established hAMSCs from the operating room (Table 1). Commercial hAMSCs have already been engineered to secrete BMP4 (Mangraviti et al., submitted) non-virally and the next step is to similarly modify primary cells from patients for personalized medicine. Polymeric nanoparticles will be further engineered for gene delivery to F.A.T. that has not seen culturing conditions and their transfection efficacy and effect on cell viability will be determined.

TABLE 1 hAMSC lines from F.A.T. (n = 32, through 2013) ID# Age Sex AQH483 27 M AQH484 53 M AQH504 18 M AQH509 40 F AQH518 51 F AQH519 40 F AQH522 33 F AQH523 58 M AQH525 69 F AQH654 51 M AQH657 37 F AQH671 72 F AQH673 36 M AQH678 22 F AQH680 67 F AQH711 45 M AQH716 43 M AQH725 25 M AQH726 35 M AQH738 64 F AQH740 49 M AQH759 71 M AQH762 36 F AQH763 31 F AQH765 57 F AQH770 43 F AQH774 74 M AQH777 28 M AQH778 38 F AQH790 32 F AQH794 11 M AQH799 49 M

Example 3 Nanoparticles Transfect Human Cells in Suspension

BTICs were transfected with DNA by suspension and incubation (Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011) and hAMSCs with siRNA using a similar method (Tzeng et al., 2012). This is important for clinical applicability, as F.A.T. can be taken from a patient, polymer-DNA nanoparticles added to the medium, and the suspension centrifuged to form a pellet where cells are in direct contact with nanoparticles (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides methods to extract adipose tissue and directly mix it with nanoparticles to find the ideal formulation that will allow the maximization of the direct engineering of hAMSCs derived from F.A.T. In other embodiments, these methods bypass culturing in the laboratory thereby allowing administration in the surgical cavity following brain surgery in a subject.

Example 4 Nanoparticles are Stored for Years and Sustain Gene Delivery

Long-term (>2 years) storage formulations were optimized for PBAE nanoparticles to further their clinical applicability (FIG. 3; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014). Sucrose was used as a lyoprotectant that needed only be reconstituted in water before use, reducing preparation time (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011). However, although these lyophilized nanoparticles were created using only one of the several polymers available in the library and specifically to modify commercial hAMSCs, the presently disclosed methods provide methods for the lyophilization of other polymers and for other cell types. For example, the type of lypoprotectant (sugars) and the concentration of the lypoprotectant used can be varied. The transfection, viability and feasibility of mixing optimized lyophilized nanoparticles with primary hAMSCs contained within F.A.T from patients can be investigated.

Example 5 hAMSCs are Isolated and Characterized

hAMSCs are Isolated:

hAMSCs have been isolated from intraoperative F.A.T. (Table 1; Pendleton et al., 2013; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). These cells express CD73, CD90, and CD105 (mesenchymal stem cell markers), but not CD31 (endothelial cell marker) or CD45 (hematopoietic cell marker) (Pendleton et al., 2013; Feng et al., submitted; Dominici et al., 2006) and are pluripotent (able to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes) (Li et al., 2014; Feng et al., submitted). No differences in growth or tropism to brain tumors between bone marrow-MSC and hAMSC lines were found (Pendleton et al., 2013), making adipose tissue attractive to study since they are easier to obtain and their sources are less limited.

hAMSCs Migrate In Vitro and In Vivo in Response to Glioma:

It was shown that hAMSCs migrate towards glioma (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013; Feng et al., submitted). Increased speed and persistence of hAMSC migration was found with glioma media on 3D-nanopattern surfaces (Li et al., 2011; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). hAMSCs were systemically delivered in a GBM mouse model and it was observed that GFP-labeled hAMSCs homed to human tumors including those derived from BTICs (FIGS. 4A and 4B; Li et al., 2014; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted).

hAMSCs are Non-Tumorigenic:

hAMSCs cultured with BTIC media do not transform into tumor associated fibroblasts (TAFs). Additionally, hAMSCs were delivered into mice with human tumors derived from the BTICs, and it was found that hAMSCs are nontumorigenic in vivo (Li et al., 2014; Feng et al., submitted) and indeed decrease tumor size (Li et al., 2014).

BMP4 does not Change the Multipotentiality or Tropism of hAMSC:

The effect of BMP4 treatment on hAMSCs was assessed and it was found that it did not induce the differentiation of hAMSCs, which could negatively affect their tumor tropism (FIG. 5; Li et al., 2014). Additionally, the retroviral induction of BMP4 expression in hAMSC enhanced their tropism to GBM in vitro (Li et al., 2014). These findings suggest that hAMSCs remain pluripotent, keep their ability to migrate, and home to brain tumors in the presence of BMP4 even with viral engineering as seen in previous efforts.

Example 6 Human BTIC-Derived Murine Models

Human BTIC-Derived Murine Models More Accurately Depict Human Cancer:

BTIC-derived tumors, unlike commercially available GBM cell lines, accurately recapitulate the parent tumor both histologically and molecularly (Lee et al., 2006). BTIC lines are available that reliably produce intracranial GBMs that recapitulate the parent tumor and are able to migrate long distances in a murine xenotransplant model (Chaichana et al., 2009; Ying, Wang et al., 2011; Ying, Sang et al., 2011; Tilghman et al., 2014).

hAMSCs Virally Engineered to Produce BMP4 Prolong Survival in a Murine Model with Human Brain Cancer:

hAMSCs were virally-modified to secrete BMP4 and it was found that they prolonged survival in a murine model of GBM (FIG. 6; Li et al., 2014). Additionally, hAMSCs virally-modified to secrete BMP4 targeted both GBM tumor bulk and BTICs (FIGS. 4A and 4B; Li et al., 2014). However, there are dangers to viral gene delivery, which includes insertional gene mutagenesis (Check, 2005) and life-threatening immune reactions (Hollon, 2000).

Example 7 Non-Viral Gene Delivery to Patient-Derived hAMSCs

To determine if non-viral gene delivery to patient-derived hAMSCs could be accomplished, poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE) formulations were synthesized and tested for their feasibility for non-viral gene delivery to intraoperative patient-derived primary hAMSC cell cultures using previously described protocols (Tzeng, Yang et al., 2011; Tzeng et al., 2013). PBAEs were electrostatically complexed with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) DNA plasmid to assess transfection efficacy by flow cytometry and confirm low toxicity. In parallel, nanoparticles made of PBAE complexed with a GFP plasmid lacking CpG sequences were used to transfect hAMSCs to compare and contrast the efficacy of gene delivery between a conventional DNA plasmid and one containing minimal prokaryotic components.

As a first step, dose optimization studies were performed on intraoperative patient-derived primary hAMSCs (designated as 1082 hAMSCs) (FIG. 8). The transfection efficacy of a 7.8 μg/mL dose of PBAE/GFP 536-40 w/w nanoparticles was 61±0.6% with 98+7% viability (FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C). The same PBAE formulation proved efficacious on different intraoperative primary hAMSCs (cultures 1122, 1123). A comparison study between commercially available lipid-based transfection reagent Lipofectamine™ 2000 and PBAE-based nanoparticles on commercial hAMSCs was performed, and higher transfection efficacy with the PBAE-based nanoparticles was observed. hAMSCs were transfected with GFP plasmid lacking CpG sequences, and the data suggested that CpG-free sequences resulted in brighter GFP signal in commercial hAMSCs (FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C), which may provide a strategy to further enhance transgene expression.

These results showed that PBAE nanoparticles can be used for non-viral gene delivery to patient-derived hAMSCs. Several PBAE/DNA formulations were used for dose optimization, and a biodegradable nanoparticle that is highly effective in transfecting hAMSC cell cultures with no statistically significant toxicity was obtained. Moreover, using plasmids that lack CpG sequences can further enhance the transfection efficacy in hAMSCs. The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods to modify primary hAMSCs with nanoparticles to mitigate the dangers of viral gene delivery.

Example 8 Aim 1: To Effectively Deliver Exogenous Genes of Interest to F.A.T. From Patients Via Lyophilized Biodegradable Nanoparticles

It is hypothesized that synthesized biodegradable polymers can be utilized to non-virally transfect MSCs contained in F.A.T. from patients. Here, the step of transfecting hAMSCs in a dish over time can be bypassed and instead non-viral transfection can be optimized through direct mixing of lyophilized nanoparticles with F.A.T. It is further hypothesized that this approach will enable co-expression of multiple genes to enable secretion of multiple proteins from engineered F.A.T.

Preliminary Data:

Previous discoveries will be utilized to optimize the transfection of F.A.T. and hAMSCs from F.A.T. (Table 1), then assess its therapeutic anti-cancer use in vitro and in vivo, maximizing its translational nature. Some of these experiments are summarized as a representative overall study layout in FIG. 19.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides an opportunity to treat patients with brain cancer in the operating room immediately after surgery and before dural closure. Currently, the only FDA approved local intraoperative therapy is Gliadel (Attenello et al., 2008; McGirt et al., 2009) and no local cellular therapies exist. The presently disclosed subject matter provides new nanobiotechnology to enable non-viral gene-based therapeutics for brain cancer by using hAMSCs as targeting cellular therapies. Building on previous efforts (Example 11; Sunshine et al., 2011; Sunshine et al., 2009, Bhise et al., 2010), nanoparticles from leading polymer analogs will be fabricated that were discovered from screening a large polymer library on a variety of human cell types (Green et al., 2012; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Sunshine et al., 2011; Tzeng, Yang et al., 2011). Nanoparticle formulations have been obtained that showed higher transfection efficiency in cultured hAMSCs than the leading commercial reagent (FIG. 1). These nanoparticle formulations will be optimized for successful gene delivery to hAMSCs within primary human F.A.T. Ultimately, the goal is to transfect F.A.T. without prior cell culture or modification by directly transfecting F.A.T. within a suspension, purifying the suspension to extract the cell fraction, and readministering the engineered human cells directly to the patient during surgery, facilitating the use of this technology for personalized medicine. It is hypothesized that synthesized biodegradable polymers will be utilized to non-virally transfect MSCs contained in F.A.T. from patients. Further, this approach will enable co-expression of multiple genes to enable secretion of multiple proteins from engineered F.A.T as indicated in FIG. 20.

In terms of preliminary data, biodegradable cationic polymers have been developed as novel systems for non-viral gene (Green et al., 2012; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Green et al., 2006; Green et al., 2009; Bhise et al., 2012; Shmueli et al., 2012; Sunshine et al., 2011) and siRNA delivery (Lee et al., 2009; Tzeng, Yang et al., 2011). Ways to coat these nanoparticles for targeted delivery also have been developed (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Green, Chiu et al., 2007; Harris et al., 2010). It also has been demonstrated that combinatorial modifications to polymers can lead to the creation of polymeric nanoparticles that achieve virus-like efficacy in human primary cells (Green, Zugates et al., 2007) and enhanced efficacy in human stem cells (Green et al., 2008; Yang et al., 2009). It has been shown that these particles are promising in vivo as cancer therapeutics (Huang et al., 2009; Showalter et al., 2008), pro-angiogenic factors (Yang et al., 2010), and genetic vaccines (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011; Nguyen et al., 2009). Candidate nanoparticle formulations from previous work commercial hAMSCs (Mangraviti et al., submitted) have been tested in commercial hAMSCs in culture and transfect commercial hAMSCs more efficiently than leading commercially available reagents (FIG. 1; Mangraviti et al., 2014). This will now be done in a direct suspension with F.A.T.

Successful transfections have been performed by incubating cells with polymeric nanoparticles for 1-2 hours at 37° C. in suspension, aspirating the cells, and finally plating the cells (FIG. 2). Particles are available that retain full function with a shelf-life of at least 2 yrs at −20° C. by using sucrose as a lyoprotectant (FIG. 3; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014).

To Utilize a Library of Leading Biodegradable Polymers to Fabricate Nanoparticles for Optimized Gene Delivery to hAMSCs Contained within Patient F.A.T:

Leading polymers as members of the biomaterial array for use in this study have been selected after synthesizing and screening a large, structurally diverse library of 400 unique polymers, each with varying chemical properties including charge density and hydrophobicity. Polymers will be further synthesized using a two-step process and nanoparticles will be formed with plasmids of interest as previously described (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011). The optimal formulation of the polymer will be assessed using high-throughput analysis of gene delivery nanoparticles encoding fluorescent protein (Tzeng and Green, 2013; Kim et al., 2013). The gene of interest contained within patient F.A.T. will be successfully delivered and efficiently expressed after optimization via high-throughput screening.

To Synthesize Different Polymer Structures:

To synthesize different polymer structures, a two-step procedure will be used (FIG. 7). First, acrylate-terminated base polymers will be synthesized through the conjugate addition of 3-amino-1-propanol (S3), 4-amino-1-butanol (S4), and 5-amino-1-pentanol (S5) to 1, 3-propanediol diacrylate (B3) and 1,4-butanediol diacrylate (B4), and 1,5-pentanediol diacrylate (B5). Second, small amine-containing molecules (E3, E5, E6, E7, E8) will be individually added as end-capping groups to each linear base polymer. Polymer structures and molecular weight will be carefully determined by ¹H-NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as previously described (Sunshine et al., 2011). Preparative GPC will be used to control molecular weight. Synthesis will take place using a 1.1:1 acrylate to amine monomer molar ratio during the base polymer synthesis step and 10 kDa polymers will be selected through preparative GPC. The monomeric components we can choose from are shown in FIG. 7. Each of the backbone “B” numbers corresponds to the number of carbons between acrylate groups in the backbone monomer and each of the “S” numbers corresponds to the number of carbons between the amine group and alcohol group in the side-chain. For example, polymer “447” corresponds to backbone “B4”, side-chain “S4”, and end-group “E7.” Each of these selected polymers shows convergence in structure and they are each analogs of each other, yet their differential efficacy is dramatically different.

To Successfully Form Nanoparticles Using Plasmids of Interest:

Nanoparticles will be formed from plasmids and polymers by self-assembly and incubation in 25 mM aqueous sodium acetate (pH 5) for 10 min. All initial screening of potential PBAE nanoparticle candidates will be completed by delivering a GFP plasmid to primary hAMSCs donated from fifteen patients (Table 1). The optimal formulation for the nanoparticle will be determined and used to transfect primary hAMSCs contained with patient F.A.T from fifteen different patients. First, to obtain cells from F.A.T., blood vessels and fibrous tissue will be separated and the adipose tissue washed with a PBS and antibiotic solution. Collagenase will be added to dissolve the connective tissue and the digested tissue will be centrifuged. The pellet containing the stromal-vascular cellular fraction will be resuspended in MesenPro media (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and passed through a cell strainer to remove unwanted cell debris. The remaining solution will contain the cellular fraction to be used for the transfection experiments. Transfection efficiency of primary hAMSC and hAMSCs-containing F.A.T will be measured 2 days post-transfection via flow cytometry for hAMSC markers (CD 105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD31−) and GFP expression using an Accuri C6 flow cytometer equipped with an IntelliCyt 96-well plate reader and robotic loader (BD Biosciences, Franklin Lake, N.J.). Additionally, the selectivity of transfection for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) types will be assessed for each nanoparticle formulation for comparing the proportion of MSCs transfected versus other cell types present within the cell fraction such as endothelial or adipose cells. MSC viability will be assessed by using a 96-well plate CellTiter 96 MTS viability assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.).

Successful preliminary transfection of primary hAMSCs (three primary cell lines) using PBAE B4S5E6 (536) and an eGFP plasmid has been shown. FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C shows the results of a dose-study on primary hAMSCs (FIG. 9A-9B), the cellular viability, and transfection percentage of primary hAMSCs (FIG. 9C).

To Synthesize and Optimize Nanoparticles to Facilitate Co-Expression of Two or More Genes of Interest:

Up to approximately 100 plasmids can be encapsulated in each polymeric nanoparticle (Bhise et al., 2012). Multiple plasmids can be co-delivered into the same cells, such as GFP and DsRed plasmids to human IMR90 fibroblasts (FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B). Two or more fluorescent reporter plasmids can be used to determine co-expression levels in hAMSCs contained within patient F.A.T using techniques published previously (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011). This will allow determination of the maximum number of different plasmids that can be delivered within the same nanoparticles while maintaining maximal expression of each individual gene. It is hypothesized that multiple genes of interest will be able to be co-delivered to the F.A.T.-derived hAMSCs to enable the secretion of multiple differentiation inducing and tumoricidal proteins simultaneously to the tumor site.

To Determine Optimal Methods for Long-Term Storage of the Particular Engineered Nanoparticle Formulations:

Optimal methods for long-term storage of the particular engineered nanoparticle formulations will be determined because stable lyophilized nanoparticles would facilitate efficient and simple clinical administration. It has been shown that nanoparticles lyophilized in a solution of sucrose are capable of long-term storage at −20° C. for over two years and were capable of transfecting primary human GBM cells (FIG. 3; Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014). To investigate the long-term storage capability in the optimized nanoparticles for delivery to primary human F.A.T., transfection of F.A.T. between freshly-made versus lyophilized nanoparticles with varying concentrations of sugars as cryoprotectants will be compared by measuring expression of a GFP reporter plasmid. FIG. 2 shows a preliminary study of primary human F.A.T transfection with nanoparticles. It was hypothesized that particles can be lyophilized, then resuspended in a dissociated F.A.T. suspension to transfect the hAMSCs contained within the F.A.T. to create a simple and efficient method for future clinical applications and allow for long-term storage prior to administration. Drying the nanoparticles will lead to optimal control of their concentration following resuspension, which will allow for delivery of high doses within small volumes as was performed in petri dishes in cultured cells (Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2014; Tzeng, Guerrero-Cázares et al., 2011).

Summary:

Nanoparticle formulations are available that have worked well with commercial hAMSCs (Mangraviti et al., submitted) and which will be used with hAMSCs contained within F.A.T. Nanoparticle formulations will be optimized specifically for hAMSCs contained within F.A.T to perform transfection in suspension. For this, the transfection on F.A.T will be optimized from a sample group of fifteen patients as the next step. This will allow for testing of the efficiency of the nanoparticle formulation for different F.A.T samples, making the technology more translatable and personalized. It is anticipated that a polymeric nanoparticle formulation will be optimized from the existing polymer library, the gene of interest will be efficiently expressed in MSCs contained within the F.A.T., two or more genes of interest will be co-expressed using an optimized nanoparticle formulation, and (4) effective lyophilized nanoparticles will be formed for long-term storage.

It has been found that that exogenous GFP delivery to hAMSCs lasts at least a week (FIG. 12) and that F.A.T. can be successfully transfected with PBAEs (FIG. 2). It is envisioned that F.A.T. will be able to be transfected without prior cell culture or modification.

Example 9 AIM 2: To Determine if Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting hAMSCs Retain an Anti-Glioma Effect In Vitro

It has been shown that engineering hAMSCs with nanoparticles will not adversely affect the properties that make hAMSCs an effective anti-cancer delivery vehicle, including the ability to migrate toward and track brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs). Nanoparticles have been used to engineer commercial hAMSCs in vitro and now they will be used with primary hAMSCs from patients. It is hypothesized that engineered hAMSCs will decrease GBM proliferation and invasion and drive differentiation of BTICs through secretion of BMP4.

Preliminary Data:

Even after multi-modal therapy, patients with GBM inevitably experience tumor recurrence. This has been attributed to the presence of BTICs and migratory GBM cells, both which contribute to therapy resistance and evasion. An effective treatment would target both types of cells. While previous studies demonstrate that virally modified hAMSCs track human GBMs in rodents and secrete BMP4 (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013), a primary concern is safety. Previous human studies have demonstrated a potential for oncogenic insertional mutagenesis (Check, 2005) and life-threatening immune responses (Hollon, 2000) with viral gene delivery. Therefore, primary hAMSCS from F.A.T. will be engineered with nanoparticles, as done with commercial hAMSCs, to secrete BMP4 (FIG. 13; Mangraviti et al., submitted). Nanoparticles are already available that have proven to be efficient in commercial (FIG. 1) and primary hAMSCs (FIGS. 2 and 9), and these will be further tested in vitro in cultured primary hAMSCs and newly established hAMSCs from F.A.T. (as summarized in FIG. 21). It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified primary BMP4-secreting cultured hAMSCs/hAMSCs harvested from F.A.T. will maintain stem cell characteristics, exhibit tumor-tropism, promote GBM differentiation, inhibit GBM proliferation, and suppress GBM migration via the secretion of BMP4.

Several intraoperatively-obtained human BTIC and hAMSC lines have been established (Tables 1 and 2). Commercial hAMSCs have been modified using viral gene delivery to secrete BMP4 (Li et al., 2014) and it has been found that they promote GBM differentiation, inhibit GBM proliferation, and suppress GBM migration. Furthermore, commercial hAMSCs have been modified using poly-β-amino-ester (PBAE) nanoparticle gene delivery to secrete BMP4 (Mangraviti et al., submitted) (FIG. 13). It has been found that these nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting commercial hAMSCs have superior motility (FIG. 14) and GBM tropism in vitro when compared to virally-modified hAMSCs. Primary hAMSCs will now be modified and tested. To assess hAMSC motility, a novel pseudo-3D nanopattern device (FIG. 14) developed by previous efforts was used to analyze speed, direction, and morphologies of migrating cells (Li et al., 2014; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted; Zhu et al., in press).

TABLE 2 BTIC lines (GBM) by subclassification (through 2014) Subclassification ID Nos. Mesenchymal AQH253, AQH549, AQH567, AQH626, AQH630, AQH911, AQH221, AQH318, AQH499, AQH940, AQH1045 Proneural AQH276, AQH501, AQH609, AQH612, AQH1049 Classical AQH965, AQH832, AQH834, AQH963

To Determine if Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting hAMSCs Maintain Mesenchymal Stem Cell Characteristics In Vitro:

It has been shown that both viral- and nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs maintain their mesenchymal stem cell characteristics in vitro (FIG. 5) and in vivo (FIGS. 4A and 4B; Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., submitted). The ability of hAMSCs to maintain MSC characteristics after nanoparticle modification is important to their utility as vehicles for antitumor agents (Mangraviti et al., submitted). It is known that nanoparticle-modified commercial hAMSCs maintain their MSC characteristics (Mangraviti et al., submitted) but it will be determined whether this is true of hAMSCs from cultured F.A.T. Adipose tissue obtained from human F.A.T. will be dissociated and cultured to harvest hAMSCs and establish hAMSC cultures as published (Pendleton et al., 2013; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). These primary hAMSC cultures will then be nonvirally modified using PBAE nanoparticles to express BMP4. In vitro experiments will determine the stem like characteristics, motility, and proliferation capacity of these primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs. It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs maintain mesenchymal stem cell characteristics and GBM tropism in vitro.

To Determine if Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting hAMSCs Maintain Stem Cell Characteristics In Vitro:

Naïve hAMSCs and nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs from F.A.T. will be cultured in MesenPRO media (Invitrogen) and assessed by immunocytochemistry (ICC) for expression of stem cell phenotypic markers (CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−) (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013; Dominici et al., 2006). Additionally, these cells will be cultured in differentiation-inducing media and assessed for adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation via Oil Red O, Alizarin Red, or Collagen II staining, respectively (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013; Feng et al., submitted).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modification on hAMSC Proliferative Capacity In Vitro:

Viability of naïve hAMSCs and primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs from F.A.T will be determined by Live/Dead™ Fixable Blue Dead Cell Stain Assay (Invitrogen) and MTS assay (Invitrogen). Cell proliferation will be estimated every 24 hours for 7 days using the alamarBlue assay (Invitrogen) and Click-IT EdU assay (Invitrogen) for the different time points (Li et al., 2014; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modification on hAMSC Migratory Capacity Towards GBM In Vitro:

Naïve hAMSCs and primary nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs from F.A.T. will be seeded in the top well of a Boyden chamber (2×10⁴ cells per chamber) with control or GBM conditioned media in the bottom well. After 24 hours, the migrated cells will be stained and counted from 9 random high-powered fields from each membrane. Migration will be expressed as the mean number of migrated cells per microscopic field (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). To evaluate the effect of GBM conditioned media on hAMSC migration and speed, 3D nanopattern assays will be performed as previously described (FIG. 14; Li et al., 2014; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted; Zhu et al., in press).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting hAMSCs on Primary BTIC Proliferation, Migration, and Differentiation:

It has previously been shown that nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting commercial hAMSCs promote differentiation, suppress proliferation, and inhibit migration of BTICs (Mangraviti et al., submitted). It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified primary hAMSCs from F.A.T. will inhibit GBM proliferation, suppress GBM migration, promote GBM differentiation via BMP4 secretion.

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modified Primary hAMSCs on the Proliferation of BTIC In Vitro:

BTICs will be cultured on laminin-coated 12 mm coverslips and grown in mitogen-containing media with or without rhBMP4 (100 ng/mL) or conditioned media derived from primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs. Cell proliferation will be assessed by the alamarBlue assay (Invitrogen) and Click-IT EdU assay (Invitrogen) for the different time points. Cell viability and apoptosis will be assessed by propidium iodide (PI) exclusion with DAPI counterstaining and TUNEL method (Click-iT Tunel Alexa-Fluor Imaging Assay, Invitrogen), respectively (Feng et al., submitted).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modified Primary hAMSCs on the Migration of BTIC In Vitro:

Culture media with or without rhBMP4 (100 ng/mL) or media from primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will be used to treat cultured BTICs for different time points. The BTICs' migration will then be assessed using the Boyden migration assay with 2×10⁴ BTICs per chamber. After 24 hours, the migrated cells will be stained and counted from 9 random high-power fields from each membrane. Also, the BTICs will be fixed, stained, and counted as described hereinabove. To evaluate the effect of media from nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs on BTIC migration and speed, 3D nanopattern assays will be performed as previously described ((Li et al., 2014; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted; Zhu et al., in press) using rhBMP4 (100 ng/ml) or media from nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs. Cell migration will be quantified with time-lapse microscopy as previously published (Li et al., 2104; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). Long-term observation will be performed with a motorized inverted microscope (Olympus IX81). Phase-contrast images will be recorded for 15 hrs at 10-20 min intervals with Slidebook 4.1 (Intelligent Imaging, Denver, Colo.). Cell speed, persistence, and distance-traveled will be calculated based on tracking 50-100 cells per condition with MATLAB (Natick, Mass.).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modified Primary hAMSCs on the Differentiation State of BTICs In Vitro:

Media from primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will be collected. BTICs will be treated with this conditioned media and evaluated by ICC and flow cytometry for differentiation into astrocytic (GFAP), neuronal (Tuj1), and/or oligodendroglial (O4) lineages as previously reported (Li et al., 2014; Pendleton et al., 2013; Feng et al., submitted).

To Determine if Nanoparticle-Modified Primary hAMSCs Affect the Known Molecular Subtypes of GBM-Derived BTICs In Vitro:

From cell lines from previous efforts (Table 2), BTICs derived from three different GBM subtypes90 (Classical, Proneural, and Mesenchymal) will be cultured. Culture media with or without rhBMP4 (100 ng/ml) or media derived from primary nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will be used to treat cultured BTICs. Proliferation, migration, and differentiation will be assessed as described hereinabove. This experiment will be performed for each BTIC sample representing the known GBM subtypes (AQH1045, AQH276, AQH965). The experiment will be repeated for each of the three different known GBM subtypes to determine if there is an interaction between the effect of hAMSCs and the type of BTIC treated (Verhaak et al., 2010).

Further Experiments:

Statistical comparisons will be performed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls analysis, and Chi-square Fisher's exact test, as appropriate based on an α=0.05. Based on 20 replicate measurements per hAMSC line, 5 hAMSC lines will need to be analyzed to detect a 20% difference in outcome measures (proportion of measures of differentiation, migration, and proliferation) with a power of 80% and α=0.05.

Experiments also may be performed to see if other physical transfection techniques can be combined with a chemical technique, such as nanoparticle plus mild electroporation. In other experiments, alternative anti-cancer genes of interest can be expressed, such as TRAIL, which has been successfully expressed in AMSCs using genetic modification (Li et al., 2014; Kucerova et al., 2010; Matuskova et al., 2010; Choi et al., 2011) or other genes (Table 3) including metabolic BTICs drivers, such as G6PC-α (Abbadi et al., under revision). Also, experiments can be conducted with multiple intraoperatively obtained BTIC lines (Table 2) (AQH1045, AQH276, and AQH965, representing mesenchymal, proneural, and classical GBM types, respectively). Additional lines are available in case the initial BTICs are unsuccessful. Also, co-culture of BTICs can be tested with nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs.

Summary:

It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting primary hAMSCs will: (1) maintain stem-cell characteristics, (2) maintain their tumor-tropism, (3) inhibit BTIC proliferation and migration, (4) promote BTIC differentiation, and that (5) these effects on BTIC proliferation, migration, and differentiation will be replicable in all types of GBM-derived BTICs in vitro.

TABLE 3 Mesenchymal stem cell therapies for gliomas Type of Vehicle Vehicle Reference Chemotherapeutic HSV-thymidine kinase Mietic et al., 2007 Viral delivery Adenovirus Nakamura et a., 2004 Immunotherapeutic IL-2 Ryu at al., 2011 IL-12 Xu et al., 2008 IL-18 Yuan et al., 2006 IL-23 Sato et al. 2005 Interferon-α Nakamiza et al., 2005 Interferon-β Nakamura et a., 2004 Apoptosis inducing TRAIL Choi et al., 2011; Kim et al., 2012 Differentiation inducing BMP4 Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., Submitted. (Non-viral Trans fection)

Example 10 AIM 3: To Determine the Safety and Efficacy of Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting hAMSC Treatment in Combination with Targeted Radiation Therapy on Human GBM in an In Vivo Murine Model

Previous efforts have shown that when commercial hAMSCs are engineered with nanoparticles in a rodent with a human tumor, these hAMSCs arrive to their destination and deliver BMP4. It is hypothesized that mice bearing human GBM treated with nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs from patients will survive longer due to hAMSC tumor tracking, selective BMP4-secretion, and decreased tumor burden.

The goal is to establish whether nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs can be used as safe and efficient delivery vehicles of BMP4 to suppress GBM in vivo as summarized in FIGS. 22 and 23. It has been shown that hAMSCs virally modified to deliver BMP4 suppress cancer progression in a mouse model of human GBM2. It is hypothesized that mice bearing human GBM treated with nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs will survive longer due to hAMSC tumor tracking, BMP4-secretion, and decreased GBM tumor progression.

For clinical applications, it is important to determine the safety and efficacy of nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs against GBM in vivo and also in the setting of adjuvant radiotherapy (Shapiro et al., 1989), since it is currently standard of care for GBM patients. Radiation leads to an increase in the migration of BM-MSCs and umbilical MSCs to tumors (colon and glioma), suggesting that radiation can increase the effectiveness of MSCs for cancer therapy (Zielske et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2010). Furthermore, radiation causes cells to release cytokines which attracts MSCs (Zielske et al., 2009). A novel radiation device for rodents will be used that has been used in the study of neural stem cells (Ford et al., 2011; Redmond et al., 2011; Capilla-Gonzalez, 2014) and brain tumors (Zeng et al., 2013). It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will home to GBM tumor bulk and migratory GBM cells, inhibit tumor growth and migration, and, when combined with precise radiation, further increase homing of stem cells and survival of animals implanted with human cancer.

Preliminary Data:

Several intraoperatively-obtained human hAMSC (Table 1) and BTIC (Table 2) lines have been established. Specifically, BTIC lines have been established that exhibit malignant migration in a xenotransplantation model in vivo (FIGS. 4 and 15); Li et al., 2011; Ying, Wang et al., 2011; Ying, Sang et al., 2011; Sun et al., 2009; Tilghman et al., 2014). Commercial hAMSCs have been successfully modified via viral and nanoparticle-assisted gene delivery to secrete BMP4 successfully in the brain (FIGS. 4, 6, and 16; Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., submitted). It has been found that virally modified BMP4-secreting commercial hAMSCs reduce proliferation and migration and drive differentiation of GBM in vivo (Li et al., 2014). A single dose of virally modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs significantly decreased tumor size (FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B) and improved the survival of GBM bearing mice (FIG. 6; Li et al., 2014). Various delivery routes of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs in mice have been evaluated and it has been determined that intravenous delivery allows these nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs to localize to the brain (FIG. 17A; Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., submitted; Smith et al., submitted). More specifically, nanoparticle-modified commercial hAMSCs can be delivered selectively to brain tumors (FIG. 17B), showing the clinical translatability of the presently disclosed subject matter. Previous efforts have developed the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP), which delivers focused radiotherapy to small animals, similarly as is done in humans. The SARRP has been used to study neurogenesis (Ford et al., 2011; Redmond et al., 2011; Capilla-Gonzalez et al., 2014; Achanta et al., 2012) in the mammalian brain, to assess the effects of radiotherapy on murine models of various cancers (FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E; Tuli et al., 2014; Wada et al., 2013; Zeng et al., 2013; Tuli et al., 2012), and also it has been found that SARRP augments the immune response and improves survival in a murine brain tumor model (Zeng et al., 2013).

To Determine the Effect of Nanoparticle-Modified BMP4-Secreting Primary hAMSCs on Tumor Progression and Survival in a Murine Human GBM Model In Vivo:

It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will decrease tumor progression and increase survival in vivo. Athymic nude mice will be stereotactically injected with 1×10⁶ td-tomato-expressing BTICs or an equivalent volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) into the basal ganglia (coordinates X: 1.5 mm, Y: 1.34 mm, Z: 3.5 mm) as previously published (Li et al., 2014; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). Tumor establishment and progression will be confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in one mouse per group 28 days after tumor implantation (Kim et al., 2011). Then, the mice will be anesthetized and inoculated with equal numbers (6×10⁶ cells) of luciferase-labeled nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs (naïve, empty vector, GFP, or primary BMP4-secreting) or equal volume of PBS by intravenous injection (n=7 per group) as previously reported (Mangraviti et al., submitted; Smith et al., submitted). Two weeks later, the mice will be sacrificed and stained for human nuclei and td-tomato to locate tumor bulk, hAMSCs, and BTICs. The proportion of BTICs immunoreactive to Ki-67 will be used to assess proliferation. Proportion of Nestin, Tuj1, and GFAP positive cells will be used to quantify BTIC differentiation (Li et al., 2014; Feng et al., submitted). GBM cell migration will be quantified by measuring the distance of GBM cells from the tumor bulk (Li et al., 2014; Feng et al., submitted). The total number of hAMSCs and specifically hAMSCs surrounding nests of GBM cells will be measured. The ratio of averages in each group will establish the propensity of hAMSCs to migrate towards GBM nests. Data will be analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance with the Student-Newman-Keuls post-hoc analysis.

To Determine if Multiple Treatments of Nanoparticle Modified Primary hAMSCs in Combination with Precise Radiotherapy Maximizes Antiglioma Effect In Vivo, Including Survival:

Standard of care for GBM includes the administration of adjuvant radiotherapy after tumor resection (McGirt et al., 2008; McGirt et al., 2009; Chaichana, Zadnik et al., 2013; Chaichana et al., 2010; Chaichana et al., 2011). Thus, to more accurately recapitulate the experience of human GBM, the antiglioma effects of hAMSC treatment will be assessed in the context of radiotherapy. It has been shown that the administration of a single 10 Gy of radiation via the SARRP in a murine model of human tumor resulted in an increase in survival (Zeng et al., 2013). It has also been shown that hAMSCs were detectable up to 14 days after delivery in a murine human GBM model in vivo, suggesting they function for only a short period of time (Li et al., 2014). A solution for this limitation will be the use of pulsed treatments, with repeated administration of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs over time. It is hypothesized that mice bearing human GBM treated with pre-irradiation and weekly pulsed administration of nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting hAMSCs will survive longest due to decreased tumor progression.

In terms of experimental design, intracranial gliomas will be established as described hereinabove (FIGS. 22 and 23; Li et al., 2014; Garzon-Muvdi et al., 2012; Smith et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). Luciferase-expressing nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs (naïve, empty vector, GFP, or primary BMP4-secreting) or equal volume of PBS will be delivered intravenously to athymic nude mice (FIG. 17A) in a weekly pulsed treatment either once or three times total in mice with and without pre-irradiation (10 Gy) using SARRP. Then, the mice will be followed bi-weekly using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using luciferin administration to monitor hAMSC bio-distribution as previously published (FIG. 17B; Li et al., 2014; Mangraviti et al., submitted; Feng et al., submitted). In some cases, 7 mice will be used per group (7 total groups). Mice will be followed for up to 40 weeks to evaluate survival. At death or sacrifice, mice brains will be stained for td-tomato to determine the tumor progression. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis will be performed, with results reported as median and mean survival times with a 95% confidence interval. Difference between groups will be determined by Log Rank analysis.

Further Experiments:

Statistical comparisons will be performed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls analysis, and Chi-square Fisher's exact test, as appropriate with α=0.05. For in vivo experiments, group sizes (n=7 in each group) were calculated by power-analysis based on a need to detect a 20% treatment effect with 80% power and α=0.05. Experiments also may be performed to test if injection of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs induces inflammation in the rodent brain and determine the optimal dosage of hAMSCs per injection.

It is hypothesized that nanoparticle-modified BMP4-secreting primary hAMSCs will secrete BMP4 in vivo, decrease proliferation and migration of GBM cells in vivo, induce BTIC differentiation in vivo, increase survival of GBM-bearing mice, and precise radiation will enhance these effects.

Example 11 Summary

Currently, there is a dearth of effective treatments for brain cancer patients. This project will develop such a potential future therapeutic treatment by engineering hAMSCs from human F.A.T. to secrete anti-tumor compounds directly to brain tumor. The successful completion of this study will provide optimization of the method for directly transfecting intraoperatively obtained F.A.T. to secrete anti-tumor compounds using nanoparticles, determination of the anti-tumor characteristics of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs, and elucidation of the therapeutic potential and application of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs on intracranial GBM.

By the end of the study, the transfection of F.A.T. and its therapeutic anti-cancer use will be optimized in vivo, maximizing its translational nature, and allowing for human clinical trials. Innovations in this study include, but are not limited to: 1) using freshly extracted adipose tissue, rather than established commercial hAMSC cell lines 2) engineering F.A.T. as well as primary hAMSCs present within the F.A.T. using non-viral modification via PBAE/DNA nanoparticles 3) engineering primary hAMSCs to express two or more therapeutic genes of interest 4) developing optimal methods for long-term storage of nanoparticle formulations in a lyophilized form 5) using primary intraoperatively obtained human BTICs and F.A.T. extract (hAMSCs) to more accurately recapitulate GBM and hAMSC treatment 6) studying hAMSC migration after nanoparticle-modification using nanopattern and microfluidic devices (Chaichana et al., 2006) 7) studying the effect of nanoparticle-modified hAMSC on BTIC migration using nanopattern and microfluidics 8) using SARRP to study radiation effects on hAMSC (SARRP delivers precise radiation beams (<0.5 mm), analogous to conformal beam radiation in humans; Redmond et al., 2011; Achanta et al., 2012; Zeng et al., 2013; Zeng et al., 2011), and 9) using multiple treatments of the nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs from F.A.T. with the therapeutic gene of interest in combination with SARRP radiotherapy to fully recapitulate GBM and hAMSC treatment as it would occur in humans.

It is envisioned that the presently disclosed subject matter will allow the development of a medical field which will engineer hAMSCs to have secretion of therapeutic proteins and will use these nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs as an effective treatment for other types of primary and metastatic brain tumors, such as medulloblastoma, ependymoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, amongst others.

The successful completion of these aims will provide (1) optimization of an ideal nanoparticle formulation, in addition to existing nanoparticle candidates, to non-virally genetically engineer primary hAMSC from F.A.T. to secrete anti-tumor proteins, (2) characterization of the nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs and their tumor suppressive characteristics, and (3) the application of nanoparticle-modified hAMSCs on intracranial human GBM. For future clinical application, the nanoparticles could be administered to F.A.T. and the resulting engineered hAMSCs could be re-administered within a few hours.

REFERENCES

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, patent, and other reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. It will be understood that, although a number of patent applications, patents, and other references are referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms part of the common general knowledge in the art. In case of a conflict between the specification and any of the incorporated references, the specification (including any amendments thereof, which may be based on an incorporated reference), shall control. Standard art-accepted meanings of terms are used herein unless indicated otherwise. Standard abbreviations for various terms are used herein

Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

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Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A nanoparticle formulation comprising biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, wherein the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylateco-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537), having a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease. 2.-5. (canceled)
 6. The nanoparticle formulation of claim 1, wherein the one or more bioactive molecules are selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites.
 7. The nanoparticle formulation of claim 6, wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and wherein the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents.
 8. The nanoparticle formulation of claim 7, wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.
 9. The nanoparticle formulation of claim 8, wherein the nanoparticle formulation is lyophilized.
 10. A freshly extracted adipose tissue cell comprising at least one nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a biodegradable polymer self-assembled with a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylateco-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537), having a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease.
 11. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cell of claim 10, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue cell is an adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AMSC). 12.-15. (canceled)
 16. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cell of claim 11, wherein the one or more bioactive molecules are selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites.
 17. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cell of claim 16, wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and wherein the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents.
 18. The freshly extracted adipose tissue cell of claim 17, wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.
 19. A method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a. obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient; b. transfecting cells in the freshly extracted adipose tissue, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation to form a suspension, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, wherein the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylateco-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537), having a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; c. extracting a cellular fraction from the suspension, wherein the cellular fraction comprises freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules; and d. administering the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules comprise adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs). 21.-23. (canceled)
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more bioactive molecules are selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and wherein the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient systemically.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue cells transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient intracranially.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the nanoparticle formulation is lyophilized prior to combining with the freshly extracted adipose tissue to form a suspension.
 31. A method for treating a neurological disease in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising: a. obtaining freshly extracted adipose tissue from the patient, wherein the freshly extracted adipose tissue comprises adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs); b. isolating and purifying the AMSCs; c. culturing the AMSCs under conditions allowing for proliferation of the AMSCs; d. transfecting the AMSCs, wherein transfecting comprises combining the freshly extracted adipose tissue with a nanoparticle formulation, wherein the nanoparticle formulation comprises biodegradable polymers self-assembled with nucleic acid molecules, wherein the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group consisting of 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (446), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-4-amino-1-butanol) (447), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylateco-5-amino-1-pentanol) (456), (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine end-modified poly(1,4-butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-1-pentanol) (457), 2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanol end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (536), and (1-(3-aminopropyl)-4-methylpiperazine-end-modified poly(1,5 pentanediol diacrylate-co-3-amino-1-propanol) (537), having a polymer to nucleic acid mass ratio of 25 to 75 weight polymer:weight nucleic acid, and wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease; and e. administering the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules to the patient. 32.-34. (canceled)
 35. The method of claim 31, wherein the nucleic acid molecules encode one or more bioactive molecules functional in the treatment of a neurological disease.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the one or more bioactive molecules are selected from the group consisting of proteins, polypeptides, peptides, drugs, enzymes, hormones, RNA, and metabolites.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and wherein the one or more bioactive molecules comprise one or more anti-cancer agents.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the one or more anti-cancer agents are selected from the group consisting of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), TNF related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), HSV-thymidine kinase, an oncolytic adenovirus, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-23 (IL-23), Interferon-α, and Interferon-β.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient systemically.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the AMSCs transfected with the nucleic acid molecules are administered to the patient in combination with an additional therapeutic agent or treatment.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the neurological disease is a brain tumor, and wherein the additional therapeutic agent or treatment is radiotherapy. 42.-50. (canceled) 